The Varsity Letters

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hfunk@observer-reporter.com (Harry Funk) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 18:26:00 +0000

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Junior Olympic state champion

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Tuscano) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 03:46:00 +0000

Alex Campbell of Canon-McMillan captured the 13-14 age division in the Pennsylvania Junior Olympic state championships. Campbell decisioned Mike Newhouse of Indiana, 6-0, in the finals.

2010 WPIAL Hall of Fame Class Announced

noreply@blogger.com (mike_kovak) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:04:00 +0000

The WPIAL's Hall of Fame Class for 2010 once again has a local flavor with inductees Manny Pihakis and Bill Christy along with Jim Montecalvo being honored with the Courage Award.

Pihakis graduated from Canonsburg High School in 1952 as one of the most accomplished wrestlers in Pennsylvania high school history. A four-time WPIAL champion and three-time state champion, his career record 99-1. "Buns" wrestled at Indiana University, where he went 57-8 for the Hoosiers.

He returned in 1957 and became athletic director at Canonsburg High School, which eventually became Canon-McMillan, and remained there for 36 years before retiring in 1993.

Christy enters the hall posthumously and as one of two contest officials.

A graduate of Beth-Center High School and California University, Christy lived in Monongahela until he died in October. He was 67.

When it came to officiating sports, Christy did it all. He served as an officials evaluator for the Big East and Atlantic 10 conferences. Christy also assigned officials for many local high school and college events. The Tri-County Athletic Directors Association awarded the Bill Christy Memorial Award for Excellence in Officiating for the first time at Saturday's banquet.

Montecalvo maintained a positive outlook and dogged determination despite battling cancer along with other challenges throughout his 26 years. Montecalvo died in June 2008. At Washington High School, Montecalvo played football, golf and track. He continued to play golf at Bethany College before becoming at sports writer at the Observer-Reporter.

The remaining inductees are:
Athletes
Steve Breaston, Woodland Hills (2002), football and track
Dick DeVenzio, Ambridge (1967), basketball
B.B. Flenory, Valley (1976), basketball
Chris Dugan (not the O-R sports editor), Southmoreland (1996), cross country and track
Ty Moore, North Allegheny (1990), wrestling
Gretchen Rush-Magers, Mt. Lebanon (1982), tennis
Brandon Short, McKeesport (1995), football and basketball
Coaches
Paul Hindes, Baldwin, girls volleyball, basketball, softball
Harriett Morrison, Farrell, girls volleyball
Art Walker, Mt. Lebanon and Shady Side Academy, football
Contest officials
Tom Stabile, football, baseball and basketball
Contributor
Michael Manzo, WPIAL leagal counsel
Teams
1959 Braddock Football
1986 Gateway Football

PT's Gallagher wins Challis Award

noreply@blogger.com (mike_kovak) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 03:16:00 +0000

Mike Gallagher, a senior at Peters Township, is the recipient of the John Challis Memorial Award given by the WPIAL Baseball Coaches Association (WBCA). Gallagher will be honored at the WBCA's Awards Banquet on June 11.

Challis graduated from Freedom High School in 2008 and died of cancer two months later and the award goes to an individual who is a current high school student associated with his high school baseball team; has overcome or currently struggling with a physical, mental or significant obstacle; and serves as an inspiration to players and coaches.

Gallagher certainly qualifies.

The brother of Peters Township great Jim Gallagher (named the top local high school athlete of the past 10 years on this blog), Mike Gallagher's route to the Peters Township varsity baseball team was a difficult one.

A designated hitter/outfielder, Gallagher developed a seizure disorder called Complex Partial Seizures. Numerous prescription medications failed.

"It tears your heart out as a parent any time your child deals with a chronic illness. It was something we lived with every day," James Gallagher, Mike's father, said. "We were fortunate that Mike had good care."

After medications failed, the Gallaghers opted for brain surgery after learning Mike was a candidate. On Dec. 13, 2005, Gallagher woke up from a coma and, after being cleared for physical activity, began to train for baseball, which he hadn't played since the age of 10.

With help from Jim, who was playing for Duke University at the time, Mike basically learned how to play baseball all over. Only a few months later, he made the freshman team at Peters Township. He made the varsity roster in 11th grade.

"Because of what I've been through, I appreciate everything very much, " Gallagher said. "Playing baseball is not like a lot of other sports. These guys are going to be life-long friends."

APB, Where are they Now?

noreply@blogger.com (mike_kovak) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 02:57:00 +0000

Blogger's note: With the increased traffic from people in the Ringgold School District, The Varsity Letters thought the time to find the following athlete was once again appropriate.

Robert "Bean" Heller last played sports at Ringgold High School in 2005-06. Following one year at the Kiski School, Heller surfaced at Waynesburg University in 2007.

It was a fall to remember.

Heller ran all over the Presidents' Athletic Conference in his first year with the Yellow Jackets. His 2,176 rushing yards established an all-divisions freshman record. The man whose nickname was a tribute to Beano Cook was even the subject of a Facebook page titled, "Robert Heller Was Heaven Sent."

A year later, the relationship between Heller and the Waynesburg coaching staff soured. Shortly after a story published in the Observer-Reporter, the four-sport standout (football, basketball, baseball, track) from Ringgold was nowhere to be found. Various rumors had Heller attempting a boxing career or playing football for Marietta College. None were ever confirmed.

Heller is once again the target of the latest All Points Bulletin.

Anyone with legitimate information regarding Heller's whereabouts is urged to contact The Varsity Letters.

Keeping up with ...

noreply@blogger.com (mike_kovak) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 02:41:00 +0000

Lou Giachetti

A highly successful softball coach at Waynesburg High School, Giachetti moved acroos town two years ago to coach the softball team at Waynesburg University.

One of the undisputed good guys of the local coaching fraternity, Giachetti spent 11 years with the Raiders as an assistant coach and head coach. He helped Waynesburg softball become a playoff regular.

His teams won four section championship and, in 2005, Waynesburg became the second school from Greene County to win a WPIAL softball championship when the Raiders beat Washington in the Class AA title game. Carmichaels won WPIAL Class AA titles in 1998 and 1999.

Waynesburg qualified for the PIAA playoffs in 2005 and 2006.

At Waynesburg University, the yellow Jackets are 11-17 overall and 4-8 in the Presidents' Athletic Conference. Three of Waynesburg's top players are Amanda Baughman, Amber Pivik and Liz Bombara. All are Wash High grads.

Bongiorni ruled ineligible by WPIAL

noreply@blogger.com (mike_kovak) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 23:13:00 +0000

The WPIAL Board of Control ruled Thursday that Dylan Bongiorni, who transferred from Burgettstown to West Allegheny in January, is ineligible for sports because the move was made, at least in part, for athletic purposes.

Bongiorni left Burgettstown nine games into the basketball season. He was averaging 19.7 points per game and left the team in the midst of a four-game stretch in five days. The sophomore was also the Blue Devils' starting quarterback the past two seasons and passed for more than 1,000 yards as a freshman.

Bongiorni can not play sports for West Allegheny until one year from the transfer date.

West Allegheny can appeal the WPIAL's decision to the PIAA Board of Control.

California girls basketball coach hired

noreply@blogger.com (mike_kovak) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:44:00 +0000

Former assistant coach Chris Minerd was hired as California High School's girls basketball coach during Wednesday's school board meeting. Minerd replaces Cindy Dunlevy.

Minerd's coaching played a role in Beth-Center winning the Section 5-AA girls title this year. He's coached the current group of Bulldogs seniors since they were in sixth grade at various levels, including travel leagues and AAU.

California finished 12-9 overall in 2009-10 and qualified for the WPIAL Class A playoffs with an 8-4 record in Section 3. The Trojans, led by all-district players Kristina Wagner and Morgan Moluski, defeated Monessen in the regular season. California's season ended with a loss to Fort Cherry in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs.

Ringgold makes Humbert interim football coach

noreply@blogger.com (mike_kovak) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 01:01:00 +0000

Matt Humbert served as Ringgold's varsity football coach for two games during the 2009 season when Lloyd Price was suspended by the school district.

Humbert won both games and, following Price's sudden and surprising resignation as Ringgold's athletic director and football coach, Ringgold is turning to Humbert once again to fill the void.

The Ringgold School Board made Humbert the interim varsity football coach at Wednesday's meeting. Humbert was Price's teammate at California University and he will oversee offseason workouts until a head coach is named.

Ringgold plans to begin interviews for football coach and athletic director Monday and could have the positions filled by next month's board meeting.

Montecalvo resigns as C-M football coach

noreply@blogger.com (mike_kovak) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 03:43:00 +0000

Guy Montecalvo, the head football coach at Canon-McMillan High School the past seven years, submitted his letter of resignation last Thursday, effectively ending one of the most storied coaching careers in the history of Washington County.

The Canon-McMillan School Board accepted the resignation at Monday's meeting, which was heavily attended. The resignation caught many in attendance by surprise.

Montecalvo will remain as Canon-McMillan’s athletic director.
“It was a very, very difficult decision. I’ve been agonizing over this the last three or four months,” Montecalvo said Monday.

Montecalvo spent 33 years as a football coach, the last 30 as a head coach. His career record is 225-107-2 and Montecalvo’s win total ranks second to Fort Cherry’s Jim Garry (265) for the most in Washington County history.

The Big Macs qualified for the WPIAL playoffs in four of Montecalvo’s seven years, most recently in 2008 in Class AAAA.

In 23 years at Washington, Montecalvo guided the Prexies to the 2001 PIAA Class AA championship as well as WPIAL titles in 2001 and 1993. Wash High was runners-up in 1990, 1995 and 1998.

Montecalvo was the Prexies' all-time rushing leader and an all-state selection before heading to Penn State on scholarship and he still owns the 200 dash record at the County Coaches Meet.

Before joining Canon-McMillan in 2003, Montecalvo coached Washington's boys and girls track teams. Led by Laila Brock and Tam Nixon, Wash High won the 1996 PIAA Class AA team championship, His boys track teams won two WPIAL team titles.

Among the many well-known players Montecalvo coached are Brian Davis, Dan Mozes and Michael Hull.

Keeping up with ...

noreply@blogger.com (mike_kovak) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 20:55:00 +0000

Amanda Kennedy
Referring to Amanda Kennedy as the top female athlete in the history of Bentworth High School isn't conjecture, the three-sport star left quite a legacy.

She became the first female from Bentworth to land a Division I scholarship when she chose to throw the javelin at Marshall University over a host of offers, including some Division II schools who were interested in Kennedy as a volleyball player and track athlete.

While at Bentworth, Kennedy was All-WPIAL in volleyball, All-Section in basketball and Bentworth's career rebounding leader and she holds several track and field records in addition to a pair of PIAA Class AA medals for the javelin.

Kennedy was the 2009 Observer-Reporter's Girls Athlete of the Year.

These days, Kennedy is setting records at Marshall.

At the Duke Invitationals on April 2, Kennedy's best throw of 40.04 meters broke the previous Thundering Hurd record of 39.37. The following weekend, Kennedy won the javelin (38.60) at the Ohio University Invitational.

Local trio in Roundball Classic

noreply@blogger.com (mike_kovak) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 03:26:00 +0000

Tried to get this item into a Scholastic Notebook on the pages of the Observer-Reporter. Our space has not permitted a notebook to run this week.

The Roundball Classic will be played Saturday, April 17 at Geneva College in Beaver Falls and the event features some of the top boys and girls players from the WPIAL.
Class AAA Player of the Year T.J. McConnell of Chartiers Valley and Sewickley Academy’s Tom Droney, the Class A Player of the Year, accepted invitations to play, along with other top talents such as Hampton’s Bill Luther and Mt. Lebanon’s Evan Pierce.
A few of the top local players will be included in the games, which begin at 4 p.m. with the WPIAL Class A/AAAA girls all-stars vs. the WPIAL Class AA/AAA girls.
Peters Township’s Craig Wolcott will play for the Class AAAA all-stars at 6 p.m. against the Class AAA team.
Washington’s Troy Wilson and South Fayette’s Mike Burroughs are part of the Class AA all-star team, which plays the Class A team at 8 p.m.

Baseball blowout

noreply@blogger.com (mike_kovak) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 01:04:00 +0000

Three innings, 45 runs, one embarrassing loss

THREE LAKES, Wis. (AP) — Ben Wales had a game he won’t soon forget.
The same goes for Phelps High School in northeast Wisconsin.
Wales went 6 for 6 while hitting for the cycle, drove in 12 runs and had a no-hitter going as Three Lakes defeated Phelps 45-0 on Tuesday in a game called after three innings.
Three Lakes coach Jeff Liebscher told the Rhinelander Daily News he felt bad for Phelps after 22 runs, 23 hits, 21 walks and 11 steals in the first inning alone.
Fortunately for Phelps, none of it will count.
Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association spokesman Todd Clark told The Associated Press that, according to national rules, the game will be ruled a forfeit because it failed to reach the required number of innings.

Man gets life for killing coach

noreply@blogger.com (mike_kovak) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 00:04:00 +0000

ALLISON, Iowa (AP) — A judge sentenced a former high school football player to life in prison Wednesday, telling him he had chosen to commit an evil act in killing his former coach, Ed Thomas.
Mark D. Becker, 24, will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole for gunning down Thomas at the Aplington-Parkersburg High School weight room on June 24, 2009.
A jury convicted Becker of first-degree murder in March, rejecting an insanity plea. The conviction carried a mandatory life sentence.
Before formally sentencing Becker, District Court Judge Stephen Carroll told him that his actions had affected countless people. Carroll noted that Thomas, a nationally known coach, often spoke of the choices individuals made.
“Mr. Becker, you have brought unresolved chaos to their lives, and chaos is evil,” Carroll said. “Coach Thomas was right, Mr. Becker. We are free to choose, that is what makes us human.
“That freedom to choose means freedom to choose good and freedom to choose evil.”
Becker was given the chance to speak but declined.

Keeping up with ...

noreply@blogger.com (mike_kovak) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 22:22:00 +0000

Jaci Timko

One of the premier sluggers in WPIAL softball history, Timko continues to pile up impressive statistics during her sophomore year at Robert Morris University.

Timko leads the Colonials (17-13 overall) with a .418 batting average (38-for-91), 26 runs scored, 54 total bases as well as slugging percentage (.593) and on-base percentage (.475). Timko is tied four the team lead with eight doubles and five stolen bases in addition to haveing a pair of home runs and 15 RBI.

As a freshman, Timko led Robert Morris in virtually every offensive category.

During her four years at Chartiers-Houston, Timko batted .522 with 20 doubles, 21 triples and 32 home runs, which is believed to be a WPIAL record.

(Photo courtesy of Robert Morris University.)

Peters Township's White ranked by NHL's Central Scouting

noreply@blogger.com (mike_kovak) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 03:21:00 +0000

Matt White, a senior at Peters Township High School and member of the 2009-10 Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18 & Under AAA hockey team, made the final rankings of skaters by the National Hockey League's Central Scouting.

White was ranked No. 106 in the final report released by the NHL last Wednesday.

A 6-2, 195 center, White posted 78 points (36 goals, 42 assists) in 45 games for the Viper Stars. The University of Vermont recruit, where former Peters Township standout Rob Madore is the starting goaltender, is expected to sign with the school this month.

He helped the Viper Stars to a 42-27-7-1 record this season.

In addition to skating for the Viper Stars and Peters Township, White played for the United States Hockey League's Des Moines Buccaneers, a Junior A level team. White was also a member of Team USA in the 2008 World Junior A challenge. Team USA won the gold medal.

Christian Hanson, a center on the Toronto Maple Leafs, previously played for Peters Township before heading to Notre Dame. Dwight LaBrosse, who never played for the Indians but was from McMurray, was the ninth-round pick by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2002. The goalie's last known team was the Des Moines Buccaneers (2003-04).

2009-10 Boys Player of the Year, All-District Team

noreply@blogger.com (mike_kovak) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 03:18:00 +0000

2009-10 Observer-Reporter Player of the Year
Mike Lamberti, South Fayette

All-District Team
First team
Player, School Avg.
Nate Bellhy, Fort Cherry 28.7
Mike Burroughs, South Fayette 10.8
Mike Lamberti, South Fayette 15.6
Josh Valentic, Trinity 22.0
Craig Wolcott, Peters Township 19.8
Second team
Player, School Avg.
Marquis Brown, Washington 14.3
Phil Horensky, Peters Township 11.2
Tyler Pavan, Burgettstown 15.4
Clay Roman, Bentworth 15.3
Troy Wilson, Washington 14.1
Pat Zedreck, South Fayette 14.3
Third team
Player, School Avg.
John Barker, Bentworth 15.5
Kionte Davis, Canon-McMillan 12.9
Tyler Henry, South Fayette 12.2
Jaisen Irwin, Monessen 13.1
Bill Musgrove, Carmichaels 18.9
Andrew Stein, Ringgold 11.8

Past Players of the Year
2009 – Nick Wilcox, Peters Township
2008 – Charles Murphy, Canon-McMillan
2007 – Jock Wells, Washington
2006 – Christian Goetz, Burgettstown
2005 – Dan Davis, Fort Cherry
2004 – Nate Stoner, Waynesburg
2003 – Paul Ruhmann, South Fayette
2002 – Javon Hines, South Fayette
2001 – Tom Lulich, Peters Township
2000 – Eric Lang, Peters Township
1999 – Aaron Ankrom, Waynesburg
1998 – Bryant Thomas, Bentworth
1997 – Henry Klinar, Peters Township
1996 – Justin Voithofer, Carmichaels
1995 – Mike Horan, Ringgold
1994 – Vince Graham, Belle Vernon
1993 – Chad Lechner, Carmichaels
1992 – Mike Maloy, Washington
1991 – Brian Miller, Ringgold
1990 – Yancey Taylor, Ringgold
1989 – Matt Jennings, Immaculate Conception
1988 – Wade Timmerson, Fort Cherry
1987 – Dan Conn, Bentworth
1986 – Ron Moore, Washington
1985 – Chris Popeck, Washington
1984 – Adam Sarson, Peters Township
1983 – Duane Johnson, Canon-McMillan
Tony Conn, Bentworth
1982 – Jeff Conn, Bentworth
1981 – Lance Spernak, Mon Valley Catholic
1980 – Ray Natili, Immaculate Conception

2009-10 Girls Player of the Year, All-District Team

noreply@blogger.com (mike_kovak) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 02:34:00 +0000

2009-10 Observer-Reporter Player of the Year
Megan Sowers, Beth-Center

All-District team First team Player, School Avg.
Beka Bellhy, Fort Cherry 12.0
Emily Hansen, Canon-McMillan 16.5
Emily Matthis, Peters Township 10.7
Geena Shrader, Monessen 13.9
Megan Sowers, Beth-Center 17.3
Second team Player, School Avg.
Chelsea Evans, Washington 12.0
Ellie Hanlon, Peters Township 10.0
Merissa Morgan, Peters Township 9.8
Marissa Pattison, McGuffey 15.9
Kristina Wagner, California 12.8
Mariah Ward, Monessen 14.1
Third team Player, School Avg.
Jessie Merckle, Fort Cherry 11.2
Morgan Moluski, California 14.0
Katie Rosemeier, Chartiers-Houston 12.0
Anna Shashura, Beth-Center 13.7
Molly Stuvek, Carmichaels 12.3
Amanda Temple, Avella 15.2

Past Players of the Year
2009 – Emily Correal, Peters Township
2008 – Emily Correal, Peters Township
2007 – Emily Correal, Peters Township
2006 – Vanessa Davison, Washington
2005 – Rachel Phillips, West Greene
2004 – Vanessa Davison, Washington
2003 – Amber Harris, Washington
2002 – Emily Briggs, Chartiers-Houston
2001 – Emily Briggs, Chartiers-Houston
2000 – Kristen Lancas, Ringgold
1999 – Lauren Hull, West Greene
1998 – Kristin Polosky, Mapletown
1997 – Amanda Burchett, Trinity
1996 – Gina Naccarato, Monessen
1995 – Gina Naccarato, Monessen
1994 – Gina Naccarato, Monessen
1993 – Gina Naccarato, Monessen
1992 – Elizabeth Proudfit, Washington
1991 – Elizabeth Proudfit, Washington
1990 – Elizabeth Proudfit, Washington
1989 – Pam Noble, Fort Cherry
1988 – Jamie O’Donnell, Burgettstown
1987 – Jamie O’Donnell, Burgettstown
1986 – Kim Spencer, Washington
1985 – Michelle Bazzolli, Chartiers-Houston
1984 – Lynette Schwartz, Peters Township
1983 – Lynn Bazzolli, Chartiers-Houston

Monessen Invitational

noreply@blogger.com (mike_kovak) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 21:10:00 +0000

As the track and field season progresses, invitationals dot the schedule. Monessen will host its second track invitation Saturday starting at 10:30 p.m.

The Washington boys and girls won the meet last year and should be strong contenders to repeat against participating schools Beth-Center, Frazier, West Greene, Jefferson-Morgan, Clairton, Neighborhood Academy and the host Greyhounds.

Trenton Coles, a sophomore from Clairton and member of the Bears' PIAA Class A championship football team, will be one of the featured athletes. As a freshman, Coles was the WPIAL Class AA 400-meter dash champion (49.47). He placed fourth at the state meet with a time of 49.70.

The invitational season continues Friday, April 16 when Peters Township hosts the annual Washington-Greene County Coaches Meet, which is scheduled to start at 1 p.m.

All-state boys basketball

noreply@blogger.com (mike_kovak) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 21:02:00 +0000

The 2009-10 Pennsylvania sports writers’ boys all-state high school basketball team, as chosen by a statewide panel. (Player, school, height, class, scoring avg.)
CLASS AAAA
First team
C.J. Aiken, Plymouth-Whitemarsh, 6-10, Sr., 16.9
Jaylen Bond, Plymouth-Whitemarsh, 6-7, Jr., 16.5
Rakeem “Rahk” Brookins, Roman Catholic, 5-11, Sr., 19.0
Aaron Brown, Penn Wood, 6-5, Jr., 18.7
Tyrone Garland, Bartram, 6-1, Sr., 23.7
Darrun Hilliard, Bethlehem Liberty, 6-5, Jr. 18.0
Second Team
Ryan Arcidiacono, Neshaminy, 6-3, So., 18.0
Taran Buie, State College, 6-2, Sr., 20.8
Trenity Burdine, Reading, 6-5, Sr., 18.0
Courtney Harden-Pullium, Strong Vincent, 6-3, Sr., 20.5
Tyree Johnson, Penn Wood, 5-9, Sr., 10.9
Evan Pierce, Mount Lebanon, 6-2, Sr., 15.0
Mike Terry, Philadelphia North Catholic, 6-1, Sr., 17.3
Third Team
Kyheim Hall, Pocono Mountain East, 6-3, Sr., 19.5
Troy Hockaday, La Salle College, 6-2, Sr., 13.9
Joe Nardi, St. Joseph’s Prep, 6-2, Sr., 14.4
Nate Perry, Hempfield (Dist. 7), 6-3, Sr., 23.1
A.J. Picard, Souderton, 6-1, Sr., 19.0
Terry Turner, Scranton, 6-5, So., 20.1
Christian Walck, Hempfield (Dist. 3), 6-2, Sr., 17.1
Player of the year: C.J. Aiken, Plymouth-Whitemarsh
Coaches of the year: Dave DeGregorio, North Allegheny and Chad Landis, Bethlehem Liberty

CLASS AAA
First Team
Tony Chennault, Neumann-Goretti, 6-3, Sr., 19.1
Tyreek Duren, Neumann-Goretti, 6-2, Sr., 14.1
Juan’ya Green, Archbishop Carroll, 6-3, Jr., 16.2
Bill Luther, Hampton, 6-8, Sr., 19.0
T.J. McConnell, Chartiers Valley, 6-0, Sr., 34.3
Austin Tillotson, Eastern York, 6-0, Jr., 19.2
Second Team
Peter Alexis, Holy Redeemer, 6-11, Jr., 21.1
D.J. Irving, Archbishop Carroll, 5-11, Sr., 12.8
Andrew “Red” Nicholas, Eastern York, 6-6, Jr., 20.8
Andrew Rickard, Girard, 6-3, Sr., 22.1
Danny Stewart, Neumann-Goretti, 6-6, Sr., 14.0
Wendell Torres, Erie East, 6-6, Sr., 20.3
Jerrell Wright, Dobbins Tech, 6-7, Jr., 21.8
Third Team
Mike Byrne, Holy Ghost Prep, 6-0, Sr., 14.0
Scott Eatherton, Hershey, 6-9, Sr., 18.6
Joe Getz, Archbishop Wood, 5-11, Jr., 16.3
C.J. Hester, West Mifflin, 6-4, Jr., 23.0
Ryan Hill, Steelton-Highspire, 6-4, Sr., 16.3
Ike Robinson, Conwell-Egan, 6-2, Sr., 19.1
Nick Schlitzer, Pottsville, 6-4, Jr., 20.5
Player of the year: T.J. McConnell, Chartiers Valley
Coach of the year: Tim McConnell, Chartiers Valley

CLASS AA
First Team
Cameron Ayers, Germantown Academy, 6-4, Sr., 22.8
Josh Chojnacki, Mercyhurst Prep, 6-9, Sr., 21.6
Devin Coleman, Friends Central, 6-2, Jr., 14.5
Brian Gerney, Hughesville, 6-2, Sr., 17.5
Amile Jefferson, Friends Central, 6-7, So., 15.2
Devonte “D.J.” Newbill, Strawberry Mansion, 6-4, Sr., 24.2
Second Team
Jon Angstadt, Holy Name, 6-2, Jr., 23.8
David Appolon, Imhotep Charter, 6-4, Jr., 11.6
Jeff Hughes, Devon Prep, 5-9, Sr., 20.3
Eric Kindler, Trinity, 6-5, Sr., 20.2
Mike Lamberti, South Fayette, 6-5, Jr., 15.6
Jesse Long, Pittsburgh North Catholic, 6-0, Sr., 18.8
Aquil Younger, West Catholic, 5-11, Jr., 18.3
Third Team
Jerome Barnes, Shady Side Academy , 6-2, Sr. , 19.6
E.J. Blackwell, Rochester, 6-3, Jr., 19.0
Joey Giangiobbe, Notre Dame-Green Pond, 6-4, Sr. 14.3
Kevin Montminy, Penns Valley, 6-3, Jr., 20.2
Brett Podhyski, Holy Cross, 6-2, Sr., 12.5
Ian Vescovi, Cambria Heights, 6-8, Sr., 17.0
Patrick Zedreck, South Fayette, 6-0, Jr., 13.3
Player of the year: Devonte “D.J.” Newbill, Strawberry Mansion
Coach of the year: Rich Bonnaure, South Fayette

CLASS A
First Team
Rakeem Christmas, Academy of the New Church, 6-10, Jr. 14.0
Marcus Dawkins, Reading Central Catholic, 6-3, Jr., 17.1
Tom Droney, Sewickley Academy, 6-6, Sr., 24.0
John Johnson, Girard College, 6-1, Jr., 22.2
Savon Lloyd-Goodman, Academy of the New Church, 6-5, So., 18.0
Chaquille Pratt, Lincoln Park, 6-3, Jr., 27.4
Second Team
Torrell Candelaria, Girard College, 6-1, Sr., 18.3
Dylan Gravatt, Rocky Grove, 6-4, Jr., 24.7
Jay Harris, Paul Robeson, 5-10, Sr., 21.2
Rob Heatherington, Serra Catholic, 6-0, Sr., 23.4
Devontae Watson, Lincoln Park, 6-9, So., 12.5
Maurice Watson, Boys Latin, 5-9, So., 23.5
Randy Zimmerman, Tussey Mountain, 6-0, Sr., 24.2
Third Team
Allan Eaton, Allegheny-Clarion Valley, 6-6, Jr., 19.9
Donovon Jack, Reading Central Catholic, 6-7, So., 13.8
Wes Lyons, Millville, 6-5, Jr., 20.1
Chris Marshall, DuBois Central Catholic, 6-2, Jr., 19.0
Luke Mellott, Southern Fulton, 6-4, Sr., 17.1
Bobby Nittinger, Neshannock, 6-4, Sr., 19.6
Matt Yaich, Marian Catholic, 6-4, Sr., 14.5
Player of the year: Tom Droney, Sewickley Academy
Coach of the year: Win Palmer, Sewickley Academy

All-State girls basketball teams

noreply@blogger.com (mike_kovak) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:59:00 +0000

The 2009-10 Pennsylvania sports writers’ girls all-state high school basketball team, as chosen by a statewide panel. (Player, school, height, class, scoring avg.)

GIRLS AAAA
First team
Olivia Bresnahan, Butler, 5-11, Sr., 17.6
Madison Cable, Mt. Lebanon, 5-10, Jr., 13.7
Natasha Cloud, Cardinal O’Hara, 5-10, Sr., 12.4
Emily Leer, 6-2, Sr., Abington, 17.8
Belma Nurkic, Baldwin, 5-11, Jr., 19.5
Alyssa Thomas, Central Dauphin, 6-0, Sr., 24.3
Second team
Shayla Felder, Cheltenham, 5-4, Sr., 17.8
Carly Gallagher, East Stroudsburg South, 5-10, Sr., 20.2
Sarah Kiely, Council Rock North, 6-0, Sr., 12.3
Jess Koci, Archbishop Ryan, 5-11, Sr., 16.3
Jenny Papich, Fox Chapel, 6-1, Sr., 17.5
Deva’Nyar Workman, Reading, 5-9, Sr., 19.6
Third team
Lauren Arbogast, Mt. Lebanon, 6-1, Sr., 11.7
Jessica Babe, Mt. Lebanon, 5-4, Sr., 7.7
Kara Bonenberger, Northampton, 6-1, Jr., 11.7
Erika Livermore, Nazareth, 6-0, Jr., 17.5
Meghan Phillips, Cedar Crest, 5-9, Sr., 20.3
Sabre Proctor, Harrisburg, 5-11, Sr., 18.1
Player of the year: Alyssa Thomas, Central Dauphin
Coach of the year: Dori Oldaker, Mt. Lebanon

GIRLS AAA
First team
Kayla Ho'ohuli, St. Marys, 5-8, Jr., 30.3
Val Majewski, General McLane, 5-6, Jr., 23.6
Laura Murray, Camp Hill Trinity, 5-10, Sr., 15.7
Erin Shields, Archbishop Carroll, 5-6, Sr., 16.0
Linsday Stamp, Mercyhurst Prep, 5-11, Jr., 23.0
Second team
Paige Alviana, Hopewell, 5-8, Sr., 18.5
Ellen Cannon, Villa Maria Academy, 5-6, Sr., 14.2
MyNeshia McKenzie, Springfield Delco, 6-0, Sr., 13.8
Colleen Nosovich, Allentown Central Catholic, 5-10, Sr., 14.4
Karly Rhoads, Slippery Rock, 5-11, Sr., 16.9
Monica Wignot, Holy Redeemer, 6-2, Sr., 12.3
Third team
Ashley Betz-White, Camp Hill Trinity, 5-6, Jr., 11.4
Taylor Clark, 6-1, Sr., Athens, 12.3
Paige Elliot, West York, 5-8, Sr., 13.7
Elise Faris, Hopewell, 5-7, Sr., 15.8
Maggie Fruehan, Abington Heights, 5-9, Jr., 17.6
Saddie Gravatt, Franklin, 5-7, Sr., 16.1
Kaylynn Waters, New Castle, 5-7, So., 18.4
Player of the year: Erin Shields, Archbishop Carroll
Coach of the year: Jim Ricci, Archbishop Wood

GIRLS AA
First team
Brittany Hrynko, Engineering & Science, 5-8, Jr., 21.7
Maggie Lucas, Germantown Academy, 5-8, Sr., 23.6
Kayla McBride, Villa Maria, 5-11, Sr.., 20.5
Sierra Moore, Delone Catholic, 5-10, So., 17.6
Kady Schrann, York Catholic, 5-8, Jr., 17.8
Tory Thierolf, Germantown Academy, 6-0, Sr., 14.1
Second team
Kayla Cook, Jeannette, 5-10, Jr., 17.3
Tara Gallupe, Avonworth, 5-10, Sr., 22.0
Chikilra Goodman, Bodine, 5-10, Sr. 36.2
Erin LaVenice, Lancaster Mennonite, 6-0, Sr., 13.2
Megan McCullough, Notre Dame, 5-6, Sr., 9.8
Tierney Pfirman, South Williamsport, 5-11, So., 25.0
Amy Zehner, Tamaqua, 5-11, Jr., 21.0
Third team
Selena Adamshick, Lake-Lehman, 6-0, Jr., 21.5
Katie Gattuso, Seton-LaSalle, 6-0, Sr., 14.6
Hannah Heeter, Cranberry, 6-1, Sr., 20.4
Elaina Hummel, Southern Huntingdon, 5-6, Sr., 17.3
Alyssa Isler, New Hope-Solebury, 5-5, Sr., 24.6
Julie Kosin, Holy Cross, 5-9, Sr., 18.0
Emily Lohr, North Star, 6-0, Jr., 16.6
Kylee Sutton, Towanda, 5-11, Jr., 23.0
Player of the year: Kayla McBride, Villa Maria
Coach of the year: Scott Dibble, Villa Maria

GIRLS A
First team
Hailey Carangelo, Lebanon Catholic, 5-9, Sr., 20.3
D’Asia Chambers, 5-10, Sr., Farrell, 22.9
Talia East, Friends Central, 6-3, Sr., 12.4
Emily Homan, 6-4, Jr., Delaware County Christian, 14.5
Malia Tate-DeFreitas, 5-6, Fr., Steelton-Highspire, 21.2
Alli Williams, Bishop Guilfoyle, 5-11, Sr., 16.4
Second team
Kiely Chaklos, Nativity BVM, 5-2, Jr., 14.2
Jacqi Diez, St. Joseph, 5-8, Sr., 26.3
Brittany Eisenhuth, Ferndale, 5-8, Sr., 20.9
Breanna Kochinsky, Northern Cambria, 5-6, Sr., 17.6
Aleesha Powell, Penn Charter, 5-5, Jr., 13.4
Geena Sneeringer, West Forest, 5-6, Sr., 21.9
Keturah Vactor, Vincentian, 5-11, Jr., 15.0
Third team
Halee Adams, Bishop Guilfoyle, 5-7, Fr., 14.9
Kahleah Copper, Girard College, 5-10, So., 20.7
Taylor Gruss, Conemaugh Valley, 5-8, Sr., 11.3
Kim Kaville, Old Forge, 5-8, Sr., 15.5
Autumn Pellman, Greenwood, 5-11, Jr., 19.3
Juli Weber, Tri-Valley, 5-7, Fr., 12.6
Rachel Zimmerman, Tussey Mountain, 5-3, Sr., 18.2
Player of the year: Alli Williams, Bishop Guilfoyle
Coach of the year: Mark Moschella, Bishop Guilfoyle

Baseball player throws no-hitter, hits for cycle in same game

noreply@blogger.com (mike_kovak) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 00:55:00 +0000

http://www.denverpost.com/preps/ci_14822745

Price leaves Ringgold

noreply@blogger.com (mike_kovak) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 23:22:00 +0000

The coaching carousel at Ringgold High School took another turn last Friday with the resignation of football coach and athletic director Lloyd Price.

Sources told the Observer-Reporter that Price resigned for personal reasons. He did not return a message left on his cell phone Monday afternoon.

Ringgold hired Price as athletic director three years ago at the age of 24. He was the youngest athletic director in the WPIAL at the time of the hire. He replaced Jeff Petrucci as football coach last March and the Rams went 4-6 in 2009 with only one returning starter. Price was suspended for the second and third games of the season for unspecified reasons.

The timing of the resignation, which was effective immediately, is peculiar. Price received a five-year contract extension as athletic director in March. He was to receive $63,616 annually beginning July 1.

Price graduated from Ringgold in 2001 and played three sports – football, basketball and baseball. He played football for John Lukchardt at California University and coached there in 2006.

Ringgold's next football coach will be its eighth in the past 12 years.

Public vs. Private

noreply@blogger.com (mike_kovak) — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 02:58:00 +0000

All four girls basketball champions from 2009 – Mt. Lebanon (AAAA), Archbishop Wood (AAA), Villa Maria Academy (AA) and Bishop Guilfoyle (A) – repeated as champions in 2010 last weekend at Penn State University.

Three of those schools, the exception being Mt. Lebanon, are private schools.

Neumann-Goretti won the PIAA Class AAA boys title and Sewickley Academy repeated as Class A champs, beating Reading Central Catholic in the final.

It's a continuing trend with private schools littering the smaller classifications and charter schools from District 12 (Philadelphia) with less-than-strict transfer laws making their way into the PIAA five years ago.

Since 2000, 10 private schools have won PIAA Class A girls basketball championships. The lone exception was Monessen in 2004. During the same span, 11 private schools have won Class A boys titles.

In Class AA, the numbers are 10 private schools in girls and seven in boys. Kind of makes you appreciate South Fayette's title run a little more, huh?

In Class AAA, private schools have won eight of the past 11 girls titles and three titles in boys.

Four private schools have won Class AAAA girls titles. No private school has won a Class AAAA boys title since 2000.

Larry Henry, the superintendent at Karns City High School in District 9, is part of a group attempting to do something about it. With the hopes of having private school compete in their own playoff system, Henry has sent a power point system to school administrators across Pennsylvania asking them to contact local legislators.

To view the file, click:
PIAA%20Classifications.pdf

Notre Dame football recruit dies in fall

noreply@blogger.com (mike_kovak) — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 15:03:00 +0000

CINCINNATI (AP) — A “drunk and belligerent” 17-year-old Notre Dame football recruit was killed in a fall from a fifth-floor hotel balcony during his senior-year spring break in Florida, authorities said Saturday.
Matt James died Friday around 6:30 p.m. at the Days Inn Motel in Panama City Beach. He was dead when police arrived.
“It appears to be a tragic accident,” Panama City Beach police Maj. David Humphreys said.
James’ former teammates at St. Xavier High School gathered for a private prayer service in the school’s chapel on Saturday. The All-State lineman had been the first top signing for new Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly.
Police did not use James’ name during a news conference. Instead, they referred to him as a 17-year-old from Ohio who had signed with Notre Dame.
“Witnesses and friends indicate he had become drunk and belligerent,” Humphreys said. “He had leaned over the balcony rail, was shaking his finger at the people in the next room over. He fell over.”
Humphreys said the railing at the hotel met the standards for proper height. He said police would be interested in pursuing charges if it was learned who provided the underage teen with alcohol.
The 6-foot-6, 290-pound offensive lineman was an all-city and all-state football player. He also was on St. Xavier’s varsity basketball team.
Students at St. Xavier gathered on the football field Friday night to remember James following reports of his death, school Mark Motz said.
Motz said the impromptu vigil was organized as word of James’ death spread through social-networking sites such as Facebook.
“When one of their own is in trouble, they band together,” Motz said.
About 40 students from St. Xavier and a half-dozen parents were on the trip to Florida, police said.